Background: Cysts of E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and others are not microscopically
distinguishable. Since not all are pathogenic to human, unnecessary prescription of anti-amoebic therapy
may lead to drug resistance.
Objective: To evaluate usefulness of the molecular assays to differentiate between pathogenic and nonpathogenic
Entamoeba species.
Patients and Methods: Fecal samples were collected and examined from 187 patients suffering from
diarrhea and/or dysentery, and attending the outpatient clinics of the Assiut Governorate Hospitals. Stool
samples were examined by saline wet mount preparations, iodine, methylene blue and trichrome stains.
Positive stool samples for Entamoeba cysts were preserved for multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay.
Results: Among 187 samples, 24 (12.8%) were positive for Entamoeba complex by microscopic
examination. Multiplex PCR detected E. histolytica, E. moshkovskii and E. dispar in 5 samples (2.7%), 2
samples (1.1%), and one sample (0.5%), respectively.
Conclusion: Multiplex PCR is more suitable for differentiating between Entamoeba spp. for better
treatment strategies and successful control.